A crucial scene: as a local man fills gas into the car, Bobby condescendingly mocks him: “I like the way you wear that hat.” The man replies acerbically: “you don’t know nothing.” That is the summary of the film: arrogant intruders bash their way into an alien world (see how Lewis drives to the river) and learn a hard lesson: “the fool knows more in his own house than the wise man in someone else’s.”
"What the hell you wanna go fuck around with that river for?" "Because it's THERE." "It's there, all right. You get in there and can't get out, you gonna wish it wasn't." This movie always reminds me that when the locals warn you about something, no matter how backwards, pitiful or stupid they look, you REALLY shouldn't blow off their advice.
yes and he paid mightily for his arrogance later the mountain man did nothing to deserve a mocking,bobby was wrong,trying to be like lewis.he wasnt and lewis was showing respect he knew better
I went to Ranger school in the mountains of Northern Georgia, and I was stationed in Georgia and visited the Appalachian region a lot. There are countless thousands of people who to this day still live like the people portrayed in that film. You can't imagine the abject poverty and disconnection from the rest of the world that you see off the beaten path throughout that region. Deliverance will always stand out as a movie that blurred the lines between theater and reality. All the actors were at serious risk of injury at some point during filming. A film so raw and realistic could never be made today.
Thanks for your comments. I agree, I don't think Deliverance could get made today for insurance purposes alone, they really did take a lot of risks while making the film. I think those risks show on screen, a lot of it seems really dangerous and that adds to the feel of the film. I believe some of the actors did the film without insurance because no one would insure the crew. Just like Lewis says in the movie 'I don't believe in insurance...no risk' lol I hope you enjoyed your time in Ranger school, It looks like a really beautiful part of the world to train in. I'll bet you have some stories lol Thanks again for watching, much appreciated.
There are a lot of areas in western Colorado I see a Deliverance culture comes to my thoughts , poverty , stubborn ignorance to change , runs deep in many states in America , sad but true .
Nature doesn't love us or hate us. Nature simply does not care. That's what makes life so unsettling. Truly one of the greatest novels I've ever read, and one of the best film adaptations (The Godfather, Trainspotting, No Country for Old Men) I've ever seen.. The authenticity of the author James Dickey's portrayal of the sheriff took the film to another level.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I totally agree! There are some excellent stories about Dickey's presence on set and how Boorman dealt with the adaption. I think it really does the book and its themes justice. As I say in the film I was very young when I first read it before seeing the film and found it very different as the film spends no time in the city with the characters at all. Now as I've learned to appreciate the structure of filmmaking and studied adaptations, I think Boorman did an amazing job too. Thanks again.
Deliverance is a most important cautionary tale on how everything we thought we knew, even about ourselves and especially in the ambition to conquer nature, can most shockingly unravel. Thank you, John, for your analysis.
just watched it again, it's such a breath of fresh air compared to all these diminishing returns comic book films. I couldn't help but think gottdang they don't movies like they used to after it was over.
This is an excellent analysis of my favourite film of all time - everything from the direction, writing, acting, and cinematography. A true masterclass in classic filmmaking.
Thanks for watching, its always been a favourite of mine too. Boorman at his best is untouchable. The performances in this movie are flawless. I've always felt its a movie where all involved in making it were at the top of their game.
Great video sir. I live in North Georgia. That kid on the banjo works at the walmart in clayton. The toothless guy used to do western reenactments at ghost town in NC. This was filmed closed to the ga/nc border. The stunt men who helped with the Rapids scenes bought the equipment and went to open the famous NOC Nantahala Outdoor Center in NC where all the hard core Rapids seekers go.
Thanks for watching. It's great to know that the community got some profit from the films production and were able to open the outdoor centre. The locations look incredible in the film but i'm sure they are even more incredible to see in reality. Hopefully I can make it there one day! Thanks again.
This is an outstanding analysis.... Concise and well written ..... I always thought that there was an element of the duality of man aspect also as the characters are faced with the rape and its consequences..... I live very near the river this was filmed on....the chattooga....and also the lake that is shown being constructed in the opening scenes ....lake jocasee... I am now 58 and have spent a LOT of my life in this river valley...the CRV.. as my sons and I have affectionately named it, from its head waters to the lake it forms....lake tugaloo. This is my all time favorite film hands down as well as my favorite place on earth. The fellow who plays the banjo... Billy Redding ...lives in Clayton Georgia just a few miles from the river. He is a maintenance man at a Wal mart there. Really nice guy. And not at all "mentally challenged " The locals here are divided about the film. Some don't like the way they were portrayed....some don't like the fact that it "put them on the map" so to speak. When filming wrapped the production company sold all the rafts and safety equipment to a local fellow and the first of what would come to be a total of 3 guided rafting companies was born.....MORE "outsiders"... not something people who value this pristine environment and their privacy in it are happy about as I think you might well understand. .. I know I do. There is at least one positive aspects of the film being made here.... Soon after production finished the river was designated "wild and scenic "by the federal government ensuring a corridor of non development one quarter mile from the rivers center extending out past both shores. But when you see someone that is obviously not a local wearing a t-shirt that says... PADDLE FASTER ...I HEAR BANJO MUSIC...and leaving beer cans and detritus EVERYWHERE they go. ... Needless to say it's disheartening. In conclusion I'll say thanks for your efforts on this..... If you ever get out this way look me up ... We'll do some trout fishing. God bless. ......." what do you wanna go fuckin round with that river for?" "Because it's there" ....."it's there alright. ... you git in there and can't get out you gonna wish it wasn't. "
Hi Don, thanks for watching and your kind words, much appreciated. I agree the duality of man aspect is a part of it, Burt Reynolds line when he finds the river “Sometimes you have to lose yourself before you can find anything” I think adds to that, such a fantastic scene. Thanks for all the information you provided, it’s my absolute pleasure that someone like yourself who lives near the river and the stunning locations has found my thoughts interesting. And thank you for the information about how the film has affected the area and that some stars of the film are still local. I can understand how there might be a negative affect bringing the wrong kind of people who don’t respect the river that's a shame, I think one of the main themes of the film teaches us that we should respect it. I’m pleased you mentioned that the government designated the river wild and scenic, that’s at least one good aspect. Deliverance has always been a favourite of mine to, such a great movie with a message and very well made. Thanks again for all the information, its great to learn more about one of my favourite movies.
Hi John, I've always felt Boorman gets too little credit he has made some fantastic movies and always seems to get criticized for his failures like Exorcist 2 or eccentric films like Zardoz rather than people looking at his extraordinary works like The Emerald Forest, Beyond Rangoon and his classics like Deliverance. He's a fantastic director and I've always felt since first seeing his Excalibur when I was young that his work really has something important to say.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema I like Zardoz I feel its bad criticism is critics going on a bandwagon especially the Sean Connery costume. Exorcist 2 has got innovative ideas in a technicalities but I feel Exorcist 2 was the wrong film to take risks on. I love Excalibur, Emerald Forest, Hope and Glory and The General. Also Point Blank is a masterpiece.
Nope, they certainly don't make 'em anymore like they used to ... I believe early-'70s (US) movies were among the best ever, with *Deliverance* 'delivering' as one of the first in that genre. I've seen this film at least three times over the years now (something I rarely do [lately] with other notable films I've watched), and each successive time I've watched it, I've gained just a little bit more perspective on the many nuances and subtleties of its character, direction, tone, and above all, meaning - which, via varying perceptions, subjects the viewer (and perhaps that of the film itself) towards many interpretations that are often difficult to depict. I simply can't say enough of *Deliverance* and am still somewhat bewildered as to its ultimate meaning for either man himself, or to those who have yet to witness (or bear) its hidden wisdom. Thanks for posting, and for your most interpretive and thought-provoking dialogue.
Thanks for watching, it's my pleasure. I'm really glad you enjoyed my take on the film. It's a film that has a lot to say and as you point out it is open to many an interpretation, which I think is a big part of it's appeal for me. The films which are worth talking about often are and like 'Deliverance' ask the audience to participate in the meaning of the work. Thats what keeps me coming back to it I think. Great movie that gets better with every viewing. Thanks again for your time and your comments are greatly appreciated.
There’s something unique about 1972, early 1973. My uncle is really smart and became a movie and sports fan in this year. He became a Washington Redskins fan because of the 1973 Super Bowl. Many people in media and in Gen X became sports and media fans because of that 1973 Super Bowl
FANTASTIC! You deserve way more likes and views! Deliverance has been my favorite movie since I first saw it. Your commentary gave me much to think about. Thank you!
As I am marathon watching your videos I was wondering when you were going to mention my absolute fave film..saw the Deliverance title and smiled knowing this would be it ❤ Excalibur.. I actually liked excorcist 2 this film, I watched it in 82 I was 12 and it made me want to read the book which I did and it did make an environmental impact to a certain point especially nowadays..have a good one😉
🤣 That's a blast from the past. What made me laugh even harder is that Boorman made another film called The Emerald forest! Another great flick about deforestation. I'll have to dig Ferngully out and give it another watch. Thanks for watching this made me chuckle. Cheers
Thanks for watching and commenting. Yes, I believe we are as much a part of nature as a tree is, in a true Carl Sagan sense lol I believe that Deliverance is a film about man losing his oneness with nature and Boorman is commenting on what happens when we lose that balance with nature. But yes, I agree with you 100% we are very much a part of nature. Thanks again.
I had the pleasure of reading poet James Dickey's book. Read it if you liked the film. It is an underrated classic! IMHO, the movie did justice to the book, the performances, and Dickey's cameo as the sheriff, were convincing.
Thanks for watching. I agree the film definitely does justice to the book. Boorman tells some great stories about Dickey on set. I read the book before watching the film adaptation because I was young and wasn't allowed to watch the movie lol Looking back it was great to have the experience of the book first. Thanks again.
Thanks for watching. It's always been a favourite of mine Boorman is such a great director. I think its message is now more important than ever. Thanks again.
Hi Henrik thanks for your comments. That’s interesting one of the reasons I started this was to talk film, learn more and discuss different interpretations. Do you mean it’s about the different morals of each character and how the different moral types handle the situation? And guilt being Jon Voights collective guilt for something that have all done? The visual representation being the hand coming out of the water? I’m always up for discussing different takes. Thanks again.
Completely agree. At most, nature is a character the story. I think there is an element that comments on nature and humankind's relationship to it, but I think it's overwhelmingly about four suburban early-middle aged guys, out of their element, who are faced with extraordinary circumstances, the morally questionable ways they respond, and the effect these experiences ultimately have on them. As was stated in this video, the book spends time establishing that these are, besides Lewis, _regular_ guys with boring office jobs. That's key, because it's the main audience demographic for Dickey's novel. I think this story could be told in a number of different settings and still retain what's important.
Guilt at what though? Ed's guilt when he finally accepts his inner animal and kills those trying to kill him? It all comes back to man v nature. The only reason we have morals in the first place is because nature requires us to be violent in order to survive. I don't see Ed as feeling guilt at the end. He's changed, but he's a more rounded man because of what he has done and he knows it. He understand that morals are important (he's a family man after all) but he is a wiser man for understanding his own violent nature. He now knows, thanks to his struggle with nature in the movie, that he is only good because he chooses to be.
This movie is amazing. It’s funny I had a déjà vu feeling when watching it just a couple of minutes ago for the first time I had seen South Park and I also believe family guy make jokes off of this movie so when I watched it, I was almost able to predict a couple of things before they happened. I’m 23 to believe this movie is 50 years old is insane. It was a great film the acting was superb
Thanks for watching. He has his great moments I think. A lot of his later tough guy roles are much the same but I always enjoy them. A favourite of mine is a 1989 film called 'Physical Evidence' starring Reynolds as the usual hard drinking ex-cop type but it has a great lead played by Theresa Russell and the two work really well together in it. It was directed by Michael Crichton, worth a look if you haven't seen it, I've always liked Reynolds in it as he shows a certain vulnerability you don't usually see. Thanks again.
How are we destroying the earth again? You’ve said that phrase 100+ times. Also, acts of self defense do not equate to murder, even if the perpetrator dies as a result.
Thanks for watching. Yeah, I guess I do hammer the point home a bit lol but that's how I see it. Your point about self defence is interesting, definitely something I have considered and I agree, I do believe the men act in self defence. I'm sorry you didn't like my film and take on Deliverance. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.
Deliverance is currently on netflix so I thought i'd check out some people's opinion about it, I had NO idea the same man who directed this also directed Excalibur, I used to watch EXC all the time as a kid and its one of my favorite movies, thank you for sharing all the cool info!
Thanks for watching. Boorman is a great filmmaker in my opinion. His work is so varied yet there are themes and visual styles that seem to link his work together. He's one of my favourites. Let me know what you think of the movie after you watch it I'd love to know your opinion. Thanks again.
I first saw Deliverance in my early 20s after I bought it on VHS while vacationing in Florida. Quite a shock when I first sat down to watch it. But I gained a better appreciation for it in repeated viewings. Ned Beatty’s great courage for the rape scene should have earned him an Oscar nomination.
Boorman also made "The Emerald Forest" in 1985, another striking film that touches on some of the same issues about man destroying Nature. I'd be interested in hearing your take on that one.
Thanks for watching. I agree Emerald Forest is a beautiful film, and up there with his best. I'd definitely be up for taking a look at it and exploring it more. I find it interesting that Boorman touched on his feelings about nature as a theme in a lot of his work. Its there in 'Hope and Glory' when he lived on the river bank as a child too and I would say there's echoes of it in 'Excalibur' and 'Zardoz' in his cinematography of nature. He is such a wonderful filmmaker. Thanks again.
Beautiful visuals and I enjoyed a quick rehash of the book and movie. But the stern environmental warnings I do have problems with. I don't mind the message as a possibility but the way we harshly blame ourselves for all of earth's problems contradicts the long history of natural disasters that have occurred regularly from the very start of our memories.
Thanks for watching. Your comments are much appreciated. I’ve had a lot of feedback and comments about the environmental aspect and in retrospect I can see and totally appreciate that I do push the point a little hard as that’s how I see it. I totally respect that it’s a film that has many aspects to it and I’m thankful for you sharing your feedback. I love to learn about how others see movies. Since I did the review film, I’ve done more research on Boorman for further videos as he is favourite filmmaker of mine and I recently read a great interview where he states something that is more in line with the aspect of nature your mention. Boorman said “Nature is both benevolent and malevolent, and the power of nature, whether it’s a tempest or a raging river, reminds us that we are really rather pathetic little fleas on the back of this planet. It cuts us down to size. I think that’s a very salutary thing to happen. But in Deliverance, it was a much more overt metaphor, because this river was going to be dammed”. Reading this I can see where you are coming from and really appreciate your comments. I hope you found it interesting. It’s always great to talk about Deliverance and to learn and discover more about the film from other interpretations. Thanks again.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema Cool! Thank you for your reply. Your film is fascinating, and brought up a lot of emotions in me. And thank you for that quote from Boorman. Quite a smart guy.
Borman shows that sequence of Ed climbing the cliff, then killing the mountain man as an ascent to enlightenment. In order to survive, he has to embrace the violent animal inside him. I'm not sure why Borman would do that if he meant for Ed to be seen as broken. He's certainly changed, no question, but only when he accepts his 'shadow' is he re born as a more rounded man. Someone says it below. The film is not about the destruction of nature, it's about man's struggle with and consequent shaping by nature.
Thanks for watching and sharing your interpretation, I can definetly see where you are coming from. When Ed kills he also shoots himself, falling on his arrow, so I guess you could say he is shooting his shadow self, cool stuff to think about, thanks. I still think the scene where Ed breaks down at the dinner table and his nightmare show us he is broken but that's just how I see it lol. I most certainly agree with you in part, that the film is absolutely about man's balance with nature without doubt. So you could definetly say Ed's experience reshapes him, as man is reshaping nature. Cool stuff, thanks again.
No need to look that deep into it. The ascent is a common metaphor (the end of THX 1138 is a great example. THX climbs a long ladder, his ascent into enlightenment and emeges in the blazing sun) but the real obvious ones are the shot of the sun appearing through the clouds right after Ed kills the hick. That's as obvious a sun/enlightenment metaphor as ever I saw one. Borman even adds lens flaire in the shape of a ring surrounding the sun itself (a possible halo metaphor perhaps) just in case you missed it! Then, after he falls from the rock face, he has to re surface from the river...again, a pretty obvious metaphor for rebirth. You see it again and again in movies. The end of the Bourne trilogy for example. A little later, there's a shot of Ed sat in a car. The window is shut and the sun, which is reflected on the car window, is superimposed on Ed's face. Borman makes it pretty clear Ed is an enlightened man now that he knows the full extent of his masculinty. The point is, it doesn't corrupt him. It's the kindness of the strangers at dinner that brings his tears. Yes, he's learned he still has his primative aggression inside him, but he chooses good. That's the real message I think. @@johnrenneysboneyardcinema
@@davidlean1060 Thanks again for sharing your take, I guess one of us sees the light and one of us see's the darkness lol I look forward to watching it next time with your interpretations in mind. Great stuff, cheers.
It's not a pretty truth to learn, but it is the truth. If you can accept your own darkness but choose good, you're a more rounded man than say Drew, who is so unable to accept this truth, he throws himself from the boat! And the pleasure is mine. I rewatched Deliverance recently after not seeing it in years and the sub text and symbolism blew me away. I didn't see the richness of the film the pervious times. It's still being watched for a reason. Usually that reason is non verbal stuff film makers include, visual metaphor being one obvious tool to use. Nice to see others take the film serious 50 years later. @@johnrenneysboneyardcinema
No. The destruction of nature is a secondary theme, if that. Deliverance's main message is men struggling to survive nature , not man's destruction of nature. You need to watch it again. ( I live very near where it was filmed.)
Hi Scott, Thanks for watching and sharing your comments. I agree with you very much, Boorman is quoted as saying that ‘I feel when we lose our connection with nature it breeds neurosis because we are part of nature as human beings, we are nothing separate’ (if you are interested this clip is in my second video on Boorman The Power of Colour always nice to meet another Boorman fan). Considering Boorman’s words I agree with. What you say is a part of the way I feel about the film and I’m sorry that doesn’t come across, but happy that it’s brought on this conversation. I’m always up for watching ‘Deliverance’ so I’m happy to watch it again with your interpretation in mind. Thanks for taking the time to watch and thanks again for your comments they are much appreciated.
I can see that quote in the film too. Lewis talks a great game and looks the part, but as Drew points out, untiimately, Lewis can't 'hack it'. Drew is full of intellectual talk about ideals. Bobby is just arrogant because he's been financially successful. Ed is the only humble man there. He has to re connect with his inner nature, his inner killer and that's the thing that gets him and his pals out. Action, will, not words. Not until my recent watch did I realize how heroic Ed is. Voight is fantastic in the role. @@johnrenneysboneyardcinema
Your analysis is dead on but doesn't go far enough. Deliverance is about so much more than man vs. nature..it's about the American Experience, from the first settlers to Vietnam. Did any settler, did any American military man EVER enter a country with less arrogance than.was.depicted by the four upper middle class suburban Atlanta men? That's exactly how the Europeans viewed this continent, never mind that it was already settled. And that's how we entered Vietnam, contemptuous of indigenous culture and supremely confident of our technological superiority.. And both cases we had to get our butts kicked a few times before we got the message that we had to change. But we never did. We never will. We're the Americans; we always win. We're the best and most powerful. Lewis is a landlord. Is there a more fitting title for him? He's the.most affected by another of Deliverance's themes: limitations. The limits of machismo, hyper-masculinity, of pure physical power, justice, society, the legal system, civilization, and the power to civilize others. The mountain folk want nothing more than to be left alone. But we're NOT letting them alone. We're moving them to a ...reservation? (And lest I forget, inbreeding has.nothing to do with the mountaineers; they're the victims of a poor diet, no medical.care, and agricultural accidents - talk to anyone who's ever taught school in a.farming area about how many of their students have 9 or 7 fingers). Lewis is a landlord, an upper class guy who's been raised on all the best food/sports/exercise. And he wants to be a Land Lord. You know he's waited his whole life to kill and be a hero. Which he does. But look at his face as he and Ed watch Mr. Sodomy slowly die. He's horrified and scared at what he's done. But he recovers quickly enough when Drew starts talking about going to the cops. He becomes a cornered animal.at the thought of standing trial. As well he should be. Who'd ever believe their buddies would sodomize one man and.prepare to sodomize another. And look at how rape victims are treated even today. Lewis would be on trial for murder and Bobby and Ed would be on trial.for being victims. Drew meets and faces the limits of society and civilization. He honestly believes in the Platonic ideal.of law enforcement. He can't imagine anyone being skeptical.of a true story..of course a trial.would have no effect on him. He killed no one and was not a victim. He has nothing to lose by going to the cops. Ed faces up to what he's always imagined are his limits and he succeeds. But at a terrible price. He's become a,killer and he wasn't ready for that. Dropping his photo of his wife and child is clearly foreshadowing his loss of them through PTSD. He'll be haunted and jumpy forever. But he can take some solace in knowing that he pulled his boys through, killed a bad guy with dumb luck, and survived an arrow wound. Like I said, SOME solace. Listen to how the theme music is played at the end: faintly and echoey, a ghost of its original spritely performance. And Bobby is either going to kill himself or overcompensate his already Sinclair Lewis Babbittry. Literary influences abound: Hemingway (Lewis),.Steinbeck (Drew), and Ed is pure Nick Caraway, forced to act.The ultimate Fitzgerald hero. And Bobby is on the run from Zenith and the aforementioned Sinclair Lewis. And the two mountain men are straight out of a Faulkner nightmare. What rarely gets mentioned is the timelessness of Deliverance. Clothes, haircuts, dialogue, nothing gives away when this movie was made. Aeschylus could have written it or Aaron Sorkin. Deliverance is the history of America in a.weedend rafting trip.
Thanks for watching and sharing your comments. Your analysis is greatly appreciated. The literary choices you compare the characters to are all very interesting choices, which I’m sure James Dickey would have been proud of. Your analysis of Lewis as a landlord makes a really good point. Your references to military invasions throughout history and moving people to reservations is spot on I think, and I can definitely see where you are coming from. I also agree with you that ‘Deliverance’ is timeless. I think when you are dealing with the themes that you have mentioned, a film like Deliverance is now more important than ever because you are 100% right, we never learn. It’s a film full of themes and ideas about how we live as humans and how we act in the world, and most importantly, as you say in your analysis of the characters, where we perceive ourselves in it. Really fantastic to read you thoughts much appreciated. Always great to meet another fan of this timeless movie.
Thanks for watching. I wrote the music myself, it's just variations inspired by the films atmosphere mostly on piano and guitar with lots of reverb lol I have a music channel too that's mostly acoustic singer songwriter stuff called Boneyard Music, its nothing complex but I love to have a mess around lol Thanks again for the kind words and I'm happy you enjoyed the video.
I watched this film for the first time within the last 2 or 3 years. I agree that it is absolutely incredible and completely disturbing. I like your assessment of the characters' representations of society, and the whole comparable concepts assigned representing man vs. nature. This being understood, I'd like to ask how you would assess the moment when Ed is being forced to watch the assault on Bobby but then sees Lewis in the distance, (unnoticed by the rapists,) who is targeting the attackers with his bow and arrow. If the "mountain men" are nature and etcetera, then what does the moment of Lewis stopping the attack and the slaying of the two attackers represent?
Thanks for watching and thanks for your question it’s an interesting point. Boorman has said in interviews and commentaries that as well as the characters being aspects of James Dickeys character, that he personally was most connected to the character of Ed as he wanted to be at one with nature but wasn’t sure if he had the courage or the energy to do so. He is ambivalent about it. This is evidenced in the scene when Ed cannot shoot the deer, he wants to do it and sort of prove himself but he cant. Lewis is the flip side to that character; he is a man of action who thinks he can do anything and indeed can do anything even to the point of murder. To understand this I think we need to look at what Ed and Lewis represent (deep I know lol). Lewis is the aspect of man that tries to fight with nature and conquer it. He is the forceful side of man that wants to battle and beat nature, not live with it, as perhaps the film suggest we should. Lewis is a metaphor for that aspect man murdering the river. Ed represents the ambivalent side of man that sees what’s happening, that we are murdering nature but does nothing about it. Now, if we take Ed as I do, as representing the ambivalent side of man who is sitting on the fence and wants to be part of nature and save it, but can’t make up his mind, I think Ed is being forced to watch the murder of the attackers as punishment for his ambivalence. He is being forced to watch the horrifying event and aftermath, of mankind (Lewis) killing the river. The dead man representing the dead river which we also see repeated at the end of film, when the once flowing river is as barren and lifeless as the dead man. We see the murder of nature all the way through the film but most importantly the murder of the attackers and the flooded valley, I think are both visualisations of the same crime. By Ed having been literally forced to watch this crime, nature is showing him that even in his ambivalence he is part of the murder of nature. Another important factor is that this event shocks Ed out if his ambivalence and he is forced to act. Later when he finally makes up his mind and becomes a man of action and kills the second attacker on top of the mountain after the men crash down the rapids, Ed has changed and has made his choice he is no longer ambivalent. So, in my opinion Ed is forced to watch this horrific act of murder of nature as punishment for his ambivalence. And Lewis is the one who takes the shot. as he represents that side of mankind that is killing and trying to conquering the river. I really hope that all makes sense lol I know it’s a long explanation but that’s kind of how I see it. Thanks for your interesting question and thanks for watching much appreciated.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema that is a reasonable explanation, and I'm glad you touched on the later aspect of when Ed takes down the attacker on top of the mountain. I wouldn't consider the answer to be "long," I'd consider it to be "thorough." 😉
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema oh, there was one dumb-odd thing I wanted to mention "just because": the reason I decided to watch "Deliverance" in the first place was because of the comedian Jeff Foxworthy. In one of his stand-up comedy albums from the mid 1990s, he talks about the summer Olympics being held in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) in 1996. During his discussion he says, "I don't know if they (the Olympics committee) realize it, but the river where they're having the kayak race is the same river where they filmed 'Deliverance.' And I'm telling you, if Ned Beatty couldn't get down it, then a Frenchman in a pair of bicycle shorts doesn't have a chance!"
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema Greetings, That scene where Ed missed the deer in the morning when he woke up before the rest of them, Ed comes back, walks over to Lewis and was just about to say something to Lewis, but Lewis interrupts Ed and says "You take chubby boy with you today"-- What do you think Ed was going to say to Lewis?? Thanks👍.
Deliverance was always a subject for the butt of jokes on hunting trips with my friends in my 20s. The inbred Hillbillys, having a "purty mouth" and ultimately when Bobby got bum-holed was fodder for lots of jokes. I never thought of the movie as the narrator here put it. I should watch it again for the first time in 30 years and try to appreciate it for the masterpiece that it is.
Thanks for watching. I definitely agree, literally and in its themes. I think it's a movie full of ideas and also just a great movie. Thanks again for sharing your comments much appreciated.
I mean... Air conditioned buildings are pretty nice though... XD And just saying, I see your point, but the message was probably lost on most that watched the film. I'm thinking most ppl came out of that thinking, "MAN WE GOTTA GET RID OF ALL THOSE CREEPY BACKWOODS AREAS PFT" XDDD
lol Thanks for watching. Yep, we all love a nice cool office in the summer. It's such a great movie. I can definitely see your point, a few viewers have mentioned I did push the environmental point a bit hard lol I love how we all see movies a little differently and love to talk movies and theories. Thanks again your comments are greatly appreciated.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema nah I don't think it was pushed too hard, just enough, else yer missing the point of it lol. But yeah, just sorta-joking that the same city slickers the story complains about would probably come out of the movie not only not getting the point but even coming away with the opposite impression. XD
Personally, I've always preferred the Canadian film "Rituals" to Deliverance. Yes it's an obvious "cash in" to the popularity of Deliverance but I much prefer the nihilistic point of view of human survival rather than environmentalism and "banding together".
Hi Everett, I agree with you that Rituals is an excellent film. Dane and Holbrook’s performances really elevate the film past any budget constraints that the work has. Dane had money invested in the film, so he really wanted it to succeed and gives his all and Holbrook was always a professional, be it Magnum Force, The Fog or cameo roles like Into the Wild he always delivers. Their on-screen chemistry is excellent and it’s a very complicated relationship the two men have (the father’s death and so on) and that shows in their performances, they are complete characters with major flaws. For this reason, I can see why you might prefer Rituals to Deliverance. The characters in Deliverance are less complicated archetypes (this completely works for me) and Rituals works much more as a dramatic piece as it’s budget forces it to be smaller and more intimate and all about the two characters, their relationship and their personal strengths and weakness. It becomes a mental endurance test for Harry and Mitzi’s professional and emotional relationship. In that respect it’s much more like Raw Courage (1984) or even Mirage (1990) than Deliverance for me, although these are both lesser movies. Rituals is an emotionally challenging film and as you say very nihilistic, these men are supposed to be the most caring professionals and are punished for their personal sins rather than the sins of society as they are in Deliverance. All the characters ethics are questionable, you can argue that Harry could have done a lot more in the end to save Mitzi from the burning. Yes, he has a bleeding artery, but does he use the time to his personal advantage? It’s a savage scene and as you say there is a nihilistic slant on the film and the men’s behaviour. Holbrook is amazing in the ending scene. The comparisons with Deliverance are inevitable as it clear that Rituals is part of the cycle of films that Deliverance inspired. There are similarities but I find it hard to compare the films are they are very different movies made with completely different intentions. For me, Rituals is a much more intimate film about personal strength and emotional baggage and how it can drown you if you can’t make peace with it. Deliverance paints a bigger canvas using film grammar and technology flawlessly in my opinion. Its distinctly a Boorman film and I look at Deliverance as part of his body of his work and how it fits with his wider themes rather than a stand- alone as I do with Rituals. Deliverance is a film that fits in with an artist’s body of work that I continue to study. The strength of Rituals is undeniable. You could simplistically say it’s man vs himself rather than man vs nature and this makes the film a stand-out piece. The character driven smaller scale gives it a separation from Deliverance that makes it deserve much more than some critics simplistic comparisons. It’s a fantastic film and a pleasure to talk about with another fan.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema Well said! I loved reading that from you. One of my favorite parts in the film is after Harry and Mitizi carry Marty's unconscious body up this seemingly impossible incline and when they finally reach the top they see a sea of trees for miles and miles that await them. It's an absolutely hopeless feeling.
If any of you folks haven't read the novel read. You will probably agree with me it's the best novel you've ever read. You won't be able to put it down
Thanks for watching. I agree, as I say in the video I read the book before I watched the movie, as I wasn't allowed to watch the film because I was too young. And I'm glad it happened that way as It gave me the context in which to understand the film. Dickey is a poet first and I think that shows in his writing, great use of metaphor, great book and I think its a great adaptation from Boorman. Thanks again.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema Yeah dickey who plays the sheriff in the end to me words can't express how someone could have the imagination to express and put down on paper such genius literature. A character emotionally unstable he knocked someone out cold on set. I used to work for American airlines and found it on a plane. The cover had a photo of burt in a canoe and I rember co workers mocking me and giving me strange looks that i finally tore the cover off.That's how much of an impact the movie has on the psyche to this day. It ruined Rabun County to the point of some locals permanently scarred mentally. What a movie probably none in cinema history had more impact going still going strong today. Thanks for the upload
Thanks for watching. Great question, Boorman has said a few things about it in the past there is a great interview with him on the making of the film, Boorman himself calls the men, 'the malignant spirit of the forest' I found a link to part of the documentary here on youtube: ruclips.net/video/CcqDkkI4coM/видео.html&ab_channel=JourneyToTheCenterOfTheCinema I hope this helps answer your question. Thanks again for watching and sharing your comments.
That's why we need some sort of Armageddon so maybe in a few million years time someone or something better might evolve and do things different. I mean let's face it, as it stands there's nothing left to save or protect. I first saw this film on TV in 1980 when I lived in Houghton Le Spring when I was 13, and I thought it was boring because I was too young to fully understand it properly. Like many films back in the day all the swearing and the rape scene was completely cut from it too so the whole impact was softened somewhat. However, over time it has since become one of my favourite films of the 70's. The most striking aspect for me is the fact that this masterpiece has massively stood the test of time. In fact, it hasn't even dated one little bit.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I agree things are in a bad state at the minute and we've been on the brink of not being able to recover for a long time. Once we are out of the picture as a species hopefully the planet might be able to recover. I was the same as you, I saw Deliverance very young and didn't completely get what it was about, but over the years it too became one of my favourites. I totally agree that the film really stands the test of time and although I think it might be hard for Boorman to get the same film made today, it hasn't aged a bit! Its themes are now more important that ever. Thanks again much appreciated.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema Southern Comfort has often been compared to Deliverance but the similarities are very few. If Southern Comfort is to be collated with another film it should be Walter Hill's earlier film The Warriors. Virtually the same plot: Nine guys fighting their way out of a hostile environment whilst being being picked off one by one.
@@TheVidkid67 Both excellent films. I really like a lot of Walter Hill films, like Hard Times, Streets of Fire and The Driver great director. Yeah, I've heard Southern Comfort often get compared with Deliverance but like you, I think they are about very different things. Some reviewers say Southern Comfort is an allegory for Vietnam, but I've never heard Walter Hill say that mind lol I've also heard it said that it's a film about PTSD and Combat Stress which I can see to a point. I love the soundtrack by Ry Cooder excellent score, he worked with Hill quite a bit I think. Definitely with you on The Warriors to, it has such great world building, story telling and fantastic performances from the cast. Not to mention another great soundtrack!
@@TheVidkid67 I saw it recently because I had watched the excelent The Driver, which Hill also made. Southern comfort didn't bare up well to a repeat viewing for me. It's a glorified tv movie, saved by some very charismatic actors and a great soundtrack. I love what Hill has done for cinema. His contribution (along with David Giler, who produced SC) to Alien turned it from a B movie into a ground breaking sci fi classic, but SC is a cash in.
I would argue the movie fails at the message it’s delivering and just comes off as a boating trip gone wrong. The tennesse dam projects the men reference in the movie have nothing direct to do with any of them on the boat ride (at least in the movie). They aren’t careless going down the river but are experts upon the rapids. The movie really needed the city introduction or a rewrite involving these gentlemen with the tennesse dam building projects of the time or it just loses the message of man losing against nature.
Nice review, although imho I think that you rather over-stressed the 'nature' aspect of the problem. I think more of Marxist ecological analysis might tease out a bit more nuance from the film. Thanks !
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. That’s an interesting take, I can see where you are coming from especially in the case of Drew and Lewis. It could be said that both Drew and Lewis’s bodies and psyche’s “live through nature”. Later when the balance is skewed and the relationship compromised, Drew dies as a result and Lewis is physically hurt and changed. Really interesting take, I can definitely see where you are coming from. Thanks again.
I think this analysis puts too much emphasis on "destroying the planet". The planet will destroy us before it's done. The planet will survive. But I do understand the film was what was called an allegory in the 70's (always Vietnam), much of it mumbo-jumbo. Loved the presentation nevertheless.
@@OWlsfordshire it wasn’t scary for me at all a bit thrilling but definitely entertaining…. If you find this boring I just would like to know what you think is a entertaining, name 3 films you find extremely entertaining for you.
Thanks for watching. Yeah, Boorman is fantastic, he was hit and miss over the years. He did the Exorcist 2 and Zardoz which were disliked by the critics but have gained a cult following, but I thought they were creative and interesting to say the least lol His career has been really varied and full of ups and downs but that is one of the reasons I really like his work. Interesting career and never did anything the same. For my money a great filmmaker who owned his successes and his failures with grace. Thanks again, your comments are greatly appreciated.
A crucial scene: as a local man fills gas into the car, Bobby condescendingly mocks him: “I like the way you wear that hat.” The man replies acerbically: “you don’t know nothing.” That is the summary of the film: arrogant intruders bash their way into an alien world (see how Lewis drives to the river) and learn a hard lesson: “the fool knows more in his own house than the wise man in someone else’s.”
Thanks for watching. Very well said, that is an excellent way to sum up the film. I feel the same way. Great scene.
"What the hell you wanna go fuck around with that river for?"
"Because it's THERE."
"It's there, all right. You get in there and can't get out, you gonna wish it wasn't."
This movie always reminds me that when the locals warn you about something, no matter how backwards, pitiful or stupid they look, you REALLY shouldn't blow off their advice.
yes and he paid mightily for his arrogance later the mountain man did nothing to deserve a mocking,bobby was wrong,trying to be like lewis.he wasnt and lewis was showing respect he knew better
I went to Ranger school in the mountains of Northern Georgia, and I was stationed in Georgia and visited the Appalachian region a lot. There are countless thousands of people who to this day still live like the people portrayed in that film. You can't imagine the abject poverty and disconnection from the rest of the world that you see off the beaten path throughout that region. Deliverance will always stand out as a movie that blurred the lines between theater and reality. All the actors were at serious risk of injury at some point during filming. A film so raw and realistic could never be made today.
Thanks for your comments. I agree, I don't think Deliverance could get made today for insurance purposes alone, they really did take a lot of risks while making the film. I think those risks show on screen, a lot of it seems really dangerous and that adds to the feel of the film.
I believe some of the actors did the film without insurance because no one would insure the crew. Just like Lewis says in the movie 'I don't believe in insurance...no risk' lol
I hope you enjoyed your time in Ranger school, It looks like a really beautiful part of the world to train in. I'll bet you have some stories lol
Thanks again for watching, much appreciated.
There are a lot of areas in western Colorado I see a Deliverance culture comes to my thoughts , poverty , stubborn ignorance to change , runs deep in many states in America , sad but true .
Nature doesn't love us or hate us. Nature simply does not care. That's what makes life so unsettling.
Truly one of the greatest novels I've ever read, and one of the best film adaptations (The Godfather, Trainspotting, No Country for Old Men) I've ever seen..
The authenticity of the author James Dickey's portrayal of the sheriff took the film to another level.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I totally agree!
There are some excellent stories about Dickey's presence on set and how Boorman dealt with the adaption. I think it really does the book and its themes justice.
As I say in the film I was very young when I first read it before seeing the film and found it very different as the film spends no time in the city with the characters at all. Now as I've learned to appreciate the structure of filmmaking and studied adaptations, I think Boorman did an amazing job too. Thanks again.
It’s not natures malevolence, it’s natures indifference
Deliverance is a most important cautionary tale on how everything we thought we knew, even about ourselves and especially in the ambition to conquer nature, can most shockingly unravel. Thank you, John, for your analysis.
just watched it again, it's such a breath of fresh air compared to all these diminishing returns comic book films. I couldn't help but think gottdang they don't movies like they used to after it was over.
And all of those actors were true to their craft and not constantly posing to look their best.
This is an excellent analysis of my favourite film of all time - everything from the direction, writing, acting, and cinematography. A true masterclass in classic filmmaking.
Thanks for watching, its always been a favourite of mine too. Boorman at his best is untouchable. The performances in this movie are flawless. I've always felt its a movie where all involved in making it were at the top of their game.
Yes! Great work!
one of the greatest films ever made, like a swiss watch. direction, cinematography, writing, acting, all perfect.
And they really try and stay close to the book.
Great video sir. I live in North Georgia. That kid on the banjo works at the walmart in clayton. The toothless guy used to do western reenactments at ghost town in NC. This was filmed closed to the ga/nc border. The stunt men who helped with the Rapids scenes bought the equipment and went to open the famous NOC Nantahala Outdoor Center in NC where all the hard core Rapids seekers go.
Thanks for watching. It's great to know that the community got some profit from the films production and were able to open the outdoor centre. The locations look incredible in the film but i'm sure they are even more incredible to see in reality. Hopefully I can make it there one day! Thanks again.
WONDERFUL! Thank you for this info!
This is an outstanding analysis....
Concise and well written .....
I always thought that there was an element of the duality of man aspect also as the characters are faced with the rape and its consequences.....
I live very near the river this was filmed on....the chattooga....and also the lake that is shown being constructed in the opening scenes
....lake jocasee...
I am now 58 and have spent a LOT of my life in this river valley...the CRV.. as my sons and
I have affectionately named it, from its head waters to the lake it forms....lake tugaloo.
This is my all time favorite film hands down as well as my favorite place on earth.
The fellow who plays the banjo...
Billy Redding ...lives in Clayton Georgia just a few miles from the river. He is a maintenance man at a Wal mart there. Really nice guy.
And not at all "mentally challenged "
The locals here are divided about the film. Some don't like the way they were portrayed....some don't like the fact that it "put them on the map" so to speak.
When filming wrapped the production company sold all the rafts and safety equipment to a local fellow and the first of what would come to be a total of 3 guided rafting companies was born.....MORE "outsiders"...
not something people who value this pristine environment and their privacy in it are happy about as I think you might well understand. ..
I know I do.
There is at least one positive aspects of the film being made here....
Soon after production finished the river was designated "wild and scenic "by the federal government ensuring a corridor of non development one quarter mile from the rivers center extending out past both shores.
But when you see someone that is obviously not a local wearing a t-shirt that says...
PADDLE FASTER ...I HEAR BANJO MUSIC...and leaving beer cans and detritus EVERYWHERE they go. ...
Needless to say it's disheartening.
In conclusion I'll say thanks for your efforts on this.....
If you ever get out this way look me up ...
We'll do some trout fishing.
God bless.
......." what do you wanna go fuckin round with that river for?"
"Because it's there"
....."it's there alright. ...
you git in there and can't get out you gonna wish it wasn't. "
Hi Don, thanks for watching and your kind words, much appreciated. I agree the duality of man aspect is a part of it, Burt Reynolds line when he finds the river “Sometimes you have to lose yourself before you can find anything” I think adds to that, such a fantastic scene.
Thanks for all the information you provided, it’s my absolute pleasure that someone like yourself who lives near the river and the stunning locations has found my thoughts interesting. And thank you for the information about how the film has affected the area and that some stars of the film are still local.
I can understand how there might be a negative affect bringing the wrong kind of people who don’t respect the river that's a shame, I think one of the main themes of the film teaches us that we should respect it. I’m pleased you mentioned that the government designated the river wild and scenic, that’s at least one good aspect. Deliverance has always been a favourite of mine to, such a great movie with a message and very well made. Thanks again for all the information, its great to learn more about one of my favourite movies.
John Boorman is a great filmmaker and Deliverance is a great film
Hi John, I've always felt Boorman gets too little credit he has made some fantastic movies and always seems to get criticized for his failures like Exorcist 2 or eccentric films like Zardoz rather than people looking at his extraordinary works like The Emerald Forest, Beyond Rangoon and his classics like Deliverance. He's a fantastic director and I've always felt since first seeing his Excalibur when I was young that his work really has something important to say.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema I like Zardoz I feel its bad criticism is critics going on a bandwagon especially the Sean Connery costume. Exorcist 2 has got innovative ideas in a technicalities but I feel Exorcist 2 was the wrong film to take risks on. I love Excalibur, Emerald Forest, Hope and Glory and The General. Also Point Blank is a masterpiece.
The movie is a pure masterpiece!
Nope, they certainly don't make 'em anymore like they used to ... I believe early-'70s (US) movies were among the best ever, with *Deliverance* 'delivering' as one of the first in that genre. I've seen this film at least three times over the years now (something I rarely do [lately] with other notable films I've watched), and each successive time I've watched it, I've gained just a little bit more perspective on the many nuances and subtleties of its character, direction, tone, and above all, meaning - which, via varying perceptions, subjects the viewer (and perhaps that of the film itself) towards many interpretations that are often difficult to depict. I simply can't say enough of *Deliverance* and am still somewhat bewildered as to its ultimate meaning for either man himself, or to those who have yet to witness (or bear) its hidden wisdom. Thanks for posting, and for your most interpretive and thought-provoking dialogue.
Thanks for watching, it's my pleasure. I'm really glad you enjoyed my take on the film. It's a film that has a lot to say and as you point out it is open to many an interpretation, which I think is a big part of it's appeal for me. The films which are worth talking about often are and like 'Deliverance' ask the audience to participate in the meaning of the work. Thats what keeps me coming back to it I think. Great movie that gets better with every viewing. Thanks again for your time and your comments are greatly appreciated.
There’s something unique about 1972, early 1973. My uncle is really smart and became a movie and sports fan in this year. He became a Washington Redskins fan because of the 1973 Super Bowl. Many people in media and in Gen X became sports and media fans because of that 1973 Super Bowl
Any time you hear banjos, run.
FANTASTIC! You deserve way more likes and views! Deliverance has been my favorite movie since I first saw it. Your commentary gave me much to think about. Thank you!
As I am marathon watching your videos I was wondering when you were going to mention my absolute fave film..saw the Deliverance title and smiled knowing this would be it ❤ Excalibur.. I actually liked excorcist 2 this film, I watched it in 82 I was 12 and it made me want to read the book which I did and it did make an environmental impact to a certain point especially nowadays..have a good one😉
I love this movie. Great video.
This is an amazing review and very insightful!
Sounds like you had (or have) a great dad.
Today I learned that deliverance is ferngully.
🤣 That's a blast from the past. What made me laugh even harder is that Boorman made another film called The Emerald forest! Another great flick about deforestation. I'll have to dig Ferngully out and give it another watch. Thanks for watching this made me chuckle. Cheers
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema My pleasure, excellent video! Take care!
Great commentary.
Isn’t man just as much a part of nature as a tree?
Thanks for watching and commenting. Yes, I believe we are as much a part of nature as a tree is, in a true Carl Sagan sense lol I believe that Deliverance is a film about man losing his oneness with nature and Boorman is commenting on what happens when we lose that balance with nature. But yes, I agree with you 100% we are very much a part of nature. Thanks again.
Wow 50 years
Thanks for watching. Yeah I know 50 years! It still seems so new, it's a great movie. Nothing else like it. Thanks again.
I had the pleasure of reading poet James Dickey's book. Read it if you liked the film. It is an underrated classic! IMHO, the movie did justice to the book, the performances, and Dickey's cameo as the sheriff, were convincing.
Thanks for watching. I agree the film definitely does justice to the book. Boorman tells some great stories about Dickey on set. I read the book before watching the film adaptation because I was young and wasn't allowed to watch the movie lol Looking back it was great to have the experience of the book first. Thanks again.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema You're welcome. Yes, the Boorman stories were interesting.
This was such an amazing recap.. you did such amazing amazing job
Great analysis 🙏
Thanks for watching. It's always been a favourite of mine Boorman is such a great director. I think its message is now more important than ever. Thanks again.
Deliverance has nothing to do with nature or the environment.
It is about moral and guilt.
Hi Henrik thanks for your comments. That’s interesting one of the reasons I started this was to talk film, learn more and discuss different interpretations. Do you mean it’s about the different morals of each character and how the different moral types handle the situation? And guilt being Jon Voights collective guilt for something that have all done? The visual representation being the hand coming out of the water? I’m always up for discussing different takes. Thanks again.
Completely agree. At most, nature is a character the story. I think there is an element that comments on nature and humankind's relationship to it, but I think it's overwhelmingly about four suburban early-middle aged guys, out of their element, who are faced with extraordinary circumstances, the morally questionable ways they respond, and the effect these experiences ultimately have on them. As was stated in this video, the book spends time establishing that these are, besides Lewis, _regular_ guys with boring office jobs. That's key, because it's the main audience demographic for Dickey's novel.
I think this story could be told in a number of different settings and still retain what's important.
Guilt at what though? Ed's guilt when he finally accepts his inner animal and kills those trying to kill him? It all comes back to man v nature. The only reason we have morals in the first place is because nature requires us to be violent in order to survive. I don't see Ed as feeling guilt at the end. He's changed, but he's a more rounded man because of what he has done and he knows it. He understand that morals are important (he's a family man after all) but he is a wiser man for understanding his own violent nature. He now knows, thanks to his struggle with nature in the movie, that he is only good because he chooses to be.
This movie is amazing. It’s funny I had a déjà vu feeling when watching it just a couple of minutes ago for the first time I had seen South Park and I also believe family guy make jokes off of this movie so when I watched it, I was almost able to predict a couple of things before they happened. I’m 23 to believe this movie is 50 years old is insane. It was a great film the acting was superb
Never thought much of Burt Reynolds . . until his role in thus film
Thanks for watching. He has his great moments I think. A lot of his later tough guy roles are much the same but I always enjoy them. A favourite of mine is a 1989 film called 'Physical Evidence' starring Reynolds as the usual hard drinking ex-cop type but it has a great lead played by Theresa Russell and the two work really well together in it. It was directed by Michael Crichton, worth a look if you haven't seen it, I've always liked Reynolds in it as he shows a certain vulnerability you don't usually see. Thanks again.
How are we destroying the earth again? You’ve said that phrase 100+ times. Also, acts of self defense do not equate to murder, even if the perpetrator dies as a result.
Thanks for watching. Yeah, I guess I do hammer the point home a bit lol but that's how I see it. Your point about self defence is interesting, definitely something I have considered and I agree, I do believe the men act in self defence. I'm sorry you didn't like my film and take on Deliverance. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.
Deliverance is currently on netflix so I thought i'd check out some people's opinion about it, I had NO idea the same man who directed this also directed Excalibur, I used to watch EXC all the time as a kid and its one of my favorite movies, thank you for sharing all the cool info!
Thanks for watching. Boorman is a great filmmaker in my opinion. His work is so varied yet there are themes and visual styles that seem to link his work together. He's one of my favourites. Let me know what you think of the movie after you watch it I'd love to know your opinion. Thanks again.
Not on Netflix. I don't think it ever has been.
Actually it's really great movie
I first saw Deliverance in my early 20s after I bought it on VHS while vacationing in Florida. Quite a shock when I first sat down to watch it. But I gained a better appreciation for it in repeated viewings. Ned Beatty’s great courage for the rape scene should have earned him an Oscar nomination.
Boorman also made "The Emerald Forest" in 1985, another striking film that touches on some of the same issues about man destroying Nature. I'd be interested in hearing your take on that one.
Thanks for watching. I agree Emerald Forest is a beautiful film, and up there with his best. I'd definitely be up for taking a look at it and exploring it more. I find it interesting that Boorman touched on his feelings about nature as a theme in a lot of his work. Its there in 'Hope and Glory' when he lived on the river bank as a child too and I would say there's echoes of it in 'Excalibur' and 'Zardoz' in his cinematography of nature. He is such a wonderful filmmaker. Thanks again.
Interesting analysis
I saw this in a theater in Houston when it first appeared. I was an emancipated 16-year-old, and it was disturbing in the extreme.
Beautiful visuals and I enjoyed a quick rehash of the book and movie. But the stern environmental warnings I do have problems with. I don't mind the message as a possibility but the way we harshly blame ourselves for all of earth's problems contradicts the long history of natural disasters that have occurred regularly from the very start of our memories.
Thanks for watching. Your comments are much appreciated. I’ve had a lot of feedback and comments about the environmental aspect and in retrospect I can see and totally appreciate that I do push the point a little hard as that’s how I see it. I totally respect that it’s a film that has many aspects to it and I’m thankful for you sharing your feedback. I love to learn about how others see movies.
Since I did the review film, I’ve done more research on Boorman for further videos as he is favourite filmmaker of mine and I recently read a great interview where he states something that is more in line with the aspect of nature your mention. Boorman said “Nature is both benevolent and malevolent, and the power of nature, whether it’s a tempest or a raging river, reminds us that we are really rather pathetic little fleas on the back of this planet. It cuts us down to size. I think that’s a very salutary thing to happen. But in Deliverance, it was a much more overt metaphor, because this river was going to be dammed”.
Reading this I can see where you are coming from and really appreciate your comments. I hope you found it interesting. It’s always great to talk about Deliverance and to learn and discover more about the film from other interpretations. Thanks again.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema Cool! Thank you for your reply. Your film is fascinating, and brought up a lot of emotions in me. And thank you for that quote from Boorman. Quite a smart guy.
Borman shows that sequence of Ed climbing the cliff, then killing the mountain man as an ascent to enlightenment. In order to survive, he has to embrace the violent animal inside him. I'm not sure why Borman would do that if he meant for Ed to be seen as broken. He's certainly changed, no question, but only when he accepts his 'shadow' is he re born as a more rounded man. Someone says it below. The film is not about the destruction of nature, it's about man's struggle with and consequent shaping by nature.
Thanks for watching and sharing your interpretation, I can definetly see where you are coming from. When Ed kills he also shoots himself, falling on his arrow, so I guess you could say he is shooting his shadow self, cool stuff to think about, thanks. I still think the scene where Ed breaks down at the dinner table and his nightmare show us he is broken but that's just how I see it lol. I most certainly agree with you in part, that the film is absolutely about man's balance with nature without doubt. So you could definetly say Ed's experience reshapes him, as man is reshaping nature. Cool stuff, thanks again.
No need to look that deep into it. The ascent is a common metaphor (the end of THX 1138 is a great example. THX climbs a long ladder, his ascent into enlightenment and emeges in the blazing sun) but the real obvious ones are the shot of the sun appearing through the clouds right after Ed kills the hick. That's as obvious a sun/enlightenment metaphor as ever I saw one. Borman even adds lens flaire in the shape of a ring surrounding the sun itself (a possible halo metaphor perhaps) just in case you missed it! Then, after he falls from the rock face, he has to re surface from the river...again, a pretty obvious metaphor for rebirth. You see it again and again in movies. The end of the Bourne trilogy for example. A little later, there's a shot of Ed sat in a car. The window is shut and the sun, which is reflected on the car window, is superimposed on Ed's face. Borman makes it pretty clear Ed is an enlightened man now that he knows the full extent of his masculinty. The point is, it doesn't corrupt him. It's the kindness of the strangers at dinner that brings his tears. Yes, he's learned he still has his primative aggression inside him, but he chooses good. That's the real message I think. @@johnrenneysboneyardcinema
@@davidlean1060 Thanks again for sharing your take, I guess one of us sees the light and one of us see's the darkness lol I look forward to watching it next time with your interpretations in mind. Great stuff, cheers.
It's not a pretty truth to learn, but it is the truth. If you can accept your own darkness but choose good, you're a more rounded man than say Drew, who is so unable to accept this truth, he throws himself from the boat!
And the pleasure is mine. I rewatched Deliverance recently after not seeing it in years and the sub text and symbolism blew me away. I didn't see the richness of the film the pervious times. It's still being watched for a reason. Usually that reason is non verbal stuff film makers include, visual metaphor being one obvious tool to use. Nice to see others take the film serious 50 years later. @@johnrenneysboneyardcinema
No. The destruction of nature is a secondary theme, if that. Deliverance's main message is men struggling to survive nature , not man's destruction of nature. You need to watch it again. ( I live very near where it was filmed.)
Hi Scott, Thanks for watching and sharing your comments. I agree with you very much, Boorman is quoted as saying that ‘I feel when we lose our connection with nature it breeds neurosis because we are part of nature as human beings, we are nothing separate’ (if you are interested this clip is in my second video on Boorman The Power of Colour always nice to meet another Boorman fan). Considering Boorman’s words I agree with. What you say is a part of the way I feel about the film and I’m sorry that doesn’t come across, but happy that it’s brought on this conversation. I’m always up for watching ‘Deliverance’ so I’m happy to watch it again with your interpretation in mind. Thanks for taking the time to watch and thanks again for your comments they are much appreciated.
I can see that quote in the film too. Lewis talks a great game and looks the part, but as Drew points out, untiimately, Lewis can't 'hack it'. Drew is full of intellectual talk about ideals. Bobby is just arrogant because he's been financially successful. Ed is the only humble man there. He has to re connect with his inner nature, his inner killer and that's the thing that gets him and his pals out. Action, will, not words. Not until my recent watch did I realize how heroic Ed is. Voight is fantastic in the role. @@johnrenneysboneyardcinema
Your analysis is dead on but doesn't go far enough. Deliverance is about so much more than man vs. nature..it's about the American Experience, from the first settlers to Vietnam. Did any settler, did any American military man EVER enter a country with less arrogance than.was.depicted by the four upper middle class suburban Atlanta men? That's exactly how the Europeans viewed this continent, never mind that it was already settled.
And that's how we entered Vietnam, contemptuous of indigenous culture and supremely confident of our technological superiority.. And both cases we had to get our butts kicked a few times before we got the message that we had to change. But we never did. We never will. We're the Americans; we always win. We're the best and most powerful.
Lewis is a landlord. Is there a more fitting title for him?
He's the.most affected by another of Deliverance's themes: limitations. The limits of machismo, hyper-masculinity, of pure physical power, justice, society, the legal system, civilization, and the power to civilize others. The mountain folk want nothing more than to be left alone. But we're NOT letting them alone. We're moving them to a ...reservation? (And lest I forget, inbreeding has.nothing to do with the mountaineers; they're the victims of a poor diet, no medical.care, and agricultural accidents - talk to anyone who's ever taught school in a.farming area about how many of their students have 9 or 7 fingers).
Lewis is a landlord, an upper class guy who's been raised on all the best food/sports/exercise. And he wants to be a Land Lord. You know he's waited his whole life to kill and be a hero.
Which he does. But look at his face as he and Ed watch Mr. Sodomy slowly die. He's horrified and scared at what he's done. But he recovers quickly enough when Drew starts talking about going to the cops. He becomes a cornered animal.at the thought of standing trial. As well he should be. Who'd ever believe their buddies would sodomize one man and.prepare to sodomize another. And look at how rape victims are treated even today. Lewis would be on trial for murder and Bobby and Ed would be on trial.for being victims.
Drew meets and faces the limits of society and civilization. He honestly believes in the Platonic ideal.of law enforcement. He can't imagine anyone being skeptical.of a true story..of course a trial.would have no effect on him. He killed no one and was not a victim. He has nothing to lose by going to the cops.
Ed faces up to what he's always imagined are his limits and he succeeds. But at a terrible price. He's become a,killer and he wasn't ready for that. Dropping his photo of his wife and child is clearly foreshadowing his loss of them through PTSD. He'll be haunted and jumpy forever. But he can take some solace in knowing that he pulled his boys through, killed a bad guy with dumb luck, and survived an arrow wound. Like I said, SOME solace. Listen to how the theme music is played at the end: faintly and echoey, a ghost of its original spritely performance.
And Bobby is either going to kill himself or overcompensate his already Sinclair Lewis Babbittry. Literary influences abound: Hemingway (Lewis),.Steinbeck (Drew), and Ed is pure Nick Caraway, forced to act.The ultimate Fitzgerald hero. And Bobby is on the run from Zenith and the aforementioned Sinclair Lewis. And the two mountain men are straight out of a Faulkner nightmare.
What rarely gets mentioned is the timelessness of Deliverance. Clothes, haircuts, dialogue, nothing gives away when this movie was made. Aeschylus could have written it or Aaron Sorkin.
Deliverance is the history of America in a.weedend rafting trip.
Thanks for watching and sharing your comments. Your analysis is greatly appreciated.
The literary choices you compare the characters to are all very interesting choices, which I’m sure James Dickey would have been proud of.
Your analysis of Lewis as a landlord makes a really good point. Your references to military invasions throughout history and moving people to reservations is spot on I think, and I can definitely see where you are coming from.
I also agree with you that ‘Deliverance’ is timeless. I think when you are dealing with the themes that you have mentioned, a film like Deliverance is now more important than ever because you are 100% right, we never learn.
It’s a film full of themes and ideas about how we live as humans and how we act in the world, and most importantly, as you say in your analysis of the characters, where we perceive ourselves in it. Really fantastic to read you thoughts much appreciated. Always great to meet another fan of this timeless movie.
Amazing video!! Where did you get the music to make this video?
Thanks for watching. I wrote the music myself, it's just variations inspired by the films atmosphere mostly on piano and guitar with lots of reverb lol I have a music channel too that's mostly acoustic singer songwriter stuff called Boneyard Music, its nothing complex but I love to have a mess around lol Thanks again for the kind words and I'm happy you enjoyed the video.
Great review of a harrowing but brilliant film.
I watched this film for the first time within the last 2 or 3 years. I agree that it is absolutely incredible and completely disturbing. I like your assessment of the characters' representations of society, and the whole comparable concepts assigned representing man vs. nature. This being understood, I'd like to ask how you would assess the moment when Ed is being forced to watch the assault on Bobby but then sees Lewis in the distance, (unnoticed by the rapists,) who is targeting the attackers with his bow and arrow. If the "mountain men" are nature and etcetera, then what does the moment of Lewis stopping the attack and the slaying of the two attackers represent?
Thanks for watching and thanks for your question it’s an interesting point.
Boorman has said in interviews and commentaries that as well as the characters being aspects of James Dickeys character, that he personally was most connected to the character of Ed as he wanted to be at one with nature but wasn’t sure if he had the courage or the energy to do so. He is ambivalent about it.
This is evidenced in the scene when Ed cannot shoot the deer, he wants to do it and sort of prove himself but he cant. Lewis is the flip side to that character; he is a man of action who thinks he can do anything and indeed can do anything even to the point of murder.
To understand this I think we need to look at what Ed and Lewis represent (deep I know lol).
Lewis is the aspect of man that tries to fight with nature and conquer it. He is the forceful side of man that wants to battle and beat nature, not live with it, as perhaps the film suggest we should. Lewis is a metaphor for that aspect man murdering the river.
Ed represents the ambivalent side of man that sees what’s happening, that we are murdering nature but does nothing about it.
Now, if we take Ed as I do, as representing the ambivalent side of man who is sitting on the fence and wants to be part of nature and save it, but can’t make up his mind, I think Ed is being forced to watch the murder of the attackers as punishment for his ambivalence. He is being forced to watch the horrifying event and aftermath, of mankind (Lewis) killing the river. The dead man representing the dead river which we also see repeated at the end of film, when the once flowing river is as barren and lifeless as the dead man.
We see the murder of nature all the way through the film but most importantly the murder of the attackers and the flooded valley, I think are both visualisations of the same crime.
By Ed having been literally forced to watch this crime, nature is showing him that even in his ambivalence he is part of the murder of nature. Another important factor is that this event shocks Ed out if his ambivalence and he is forced to act.
Later when he finally makes up his mind and becomes a man of action and kills the second attacker on top of the mountain after the men crash down the rapids, Ed has changed and has made his choice he is no longer ambivalent.
So, in my opinion Ed is forced to watch this horrific act of murder of nature as punishment for his ambivalence. And Lewis is the one who takes the shot. as he represents that side of mankind that is killing and trying to conquering the river.
I really hope that all makes sense lol I know it’s a long explanation but that’s kind of how I see it. Thanks for your interesting question and thanks for watching much appreciated.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema that is a reasonable explanation, and I'm glad you touched on the later aspect of when Ed takes down the attacker on top of the mountain. I wouldn't consider the answer to be "long," I'd consider it to be "thorough." 😉
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema oh, there was one dumb-odd thing I wanted to mention "just because": the reason I decided to watch "Deliverance" in the first place was because of the comedian Jeff Foxworthy. In one of his stand-up comedy albums from the mid 1990s, he talks about the summer Olympics being held in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) in 1996. During his discussion he says, "I don't know if they (the Olympics committee) realize it, but the river where they're having the kayak race is the same river where they filmed 'Deliverance.' And I'm telling you, if Ned Beatty couldn't get down it, then a Frenchman in a pair of bicycle shorts doesn't have a chance!"
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema Greetings,
That scene where Ed missed the deer in the morning when he woke up before the rest of them, Ed comes back, walks over to Lewis and was just about to say something to Lewis, but Lewis interrupts Ed and says "You take chubby boy with you today"-- What do you think Ed was going to say to Lewis?? Thanks👍.
Deliverance was always a subject for the butt of jokes on hunting trips with my friends in my 20s. The inbred Hillbillys, having a "purty mouth" and ultimately when Bobby got bum-holed was fodder for lots of jokes. I never thought of the movie as the narrator here put it. I should watch it again for the first time in 30 years and try to appreciate it for the masterpiece that it is.
deep immersive movie
Thanks for watching. I definitely agree, literally and in its themes. I think it's a movie full of ideas and also just a great movie. Thanks again for sharing your comments much appreciated.
Holy Hannah
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema no problem good video
I mean... Air conditioned buildings are pretty nice though... XD And just saying, I see your point, but the message was probably lost on most that watched the film. I'm thinking most ppl came out of that thinking, "MAN WE GOTTA GET RID OF ALL THOSE CREEPY BACKWOODS AREAS PFT" XDDD
lol Thanks for watching. Yep, we all love a nice cool office in the summer. It's such a great movie. I can definitely see your point, a few viewers have mentioned I did push the environmental point a bit hard lol I love how we all see movies a little differently and love to talk movies and theories. Thanks again your comments are greatly appreciated.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema nah I don't think it was pushed too hard, just enough, else yer missing the point of it lol. But yeah, just sorta-joking that the same city slickers the story complains about would probably come out of the movie not only not getting the point but even coming away with the opposite impression. XD
Personally, I've always preferred the Canadian film "Rituals" to Deliverance. Yes it's an obvious "cash in" to the popularity of Deliverance but I much prefer the nihilistic point of view of human survival rather than environmentalism and "banding together".
Hi Everett, I agree with you that Rituals is an excellent film. Dane and Holbrook’s performances really elevate the film past any budget constraints that the work has. Dane had money invested in the film, so he really wanted it to succeed and gives his all and Holbrook was always a professional, be it Magnum Force, The Fog or cameo roles like Into the Wild he always delivers. Their on-screen chemistry is excellent and it’s a very complicated relationship the two men have (the father’s death and so on) and that shows in their performances, they are complete characters with major flaws. For this reason, I can see why you might prefer Rituals to Deliverance. The characters in Deliverance are less complicated archetypes (this completely works for me) and Rituals works much more as a dramatic piece as it’s budget forces it to be smaller and more intimate and all about the two characters, their relationship and their personal strengths and weakness. It becomes a mental endurance test for Harry and Mitzi’s professional and emotional relationship. In that respect it’s much more like Raw Courage (1984) or even Mirage (1990) than Deliverance for me, although these are both lesser movies.
Rituals is an emotionally challenging film and as you say very nihilistic, these men are supposed to be the most caring professionals and are punished for their personal sins rather than the sins of society as they are in Deliverance. All the characters ethics are questionable, you can argue that Harry could have done a lot more in the end to save Mitzi from the burning. Yes, he has a bleeding artery, but does he use the time to his personal advantage? It’s a savage scene and as you say there is a nihilistic slant on the film and the men’s behaviour. Holbrook is amazing in the ending scene.
The comparisons with Deliverance are inevitable as it clear that Rituals is part of the cycle of films that Deliverance inspired. There are similarities but I find it hard to compare the films are they are very different movies made with completely different intentions. For me, Rituals is a much more intimate film about personal strength and emotional baggage and how it can drown you if you can’t make peace with it. Deliverance paints a bigger canvas using film grammar and technology flawlessly in my opinion. Its distinctly a Boorman film and I look at Deliverance as part of his body of his work and how it fits with his wider themes rather than a stand- alone as I do with Rituals. Deliverance is a film that fits in with an artist’s body of work that I continue to study.
The strength of Rituals is undeniable. You could simplistically say it’s man vs himself rather than man vs nature and this makes the film a stand-out piece. The character driven smaller scale gives it a separation from Deliverance that makes it deserve much more than some critics simplistic comparisons. It’s a fantastic film and a pleasure to talk about with another fan.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema Well said! I loved reading that from you. One of my favorite parts in the film is after Harry and Mitizi carry Marty's unconscious body up this seemingly impossible incline and when they finally reach the top they see a sea of trees for miles and miles that await them. It's an absolutely hopeless feeling.
If any of you folks haven't read the novel read. You will probably agree with me it's the best novel you've ever read. You won't be able to put it down
Thanks for watching. I agree, as I say in the video I read the book before I watched the movie, as I wasn't allowed to watch the film because I was too young. And I'm glad it happened that way as It gave me the context in which to understand the film. Dickey is a poet first and I think that shows in his writing, great use of metaphor, great book and I think its a great adaptation from Boorman. Thanks again.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema
Yeah dickey who plays the sheriff in the end to me words can't express how someone could have the imagination to express and put down on paper such genius literature. A character emotionally unstable he knocked someone out cold on set. I used to work for American airlines and found it on a plane. The cover had a photo of burt in a canoe and I rember co workers mocking me and giving me strange looks that i finally tore the cover off.That's how much of an impact the movie has on the psyche to this day. It ruined Rabun County to the point of some locals permanently scarred mentally. What a movie probably none in cinema history had more impact going still going strong today. Thanks for the upload
Yes And also in the book they were all pretty disgusted that Bobby just laid there and took it
is there any evidence linking the mountain men to nature other than them being out there?
Thanks for watching. Great question, Boorman has said a few things about it in the past there is a great interview with him on the making of the film, Boorman himself calls the men, 'the malignant spirit of the forest' I found a link to part of the documentary here on youtube:
ruclips.net/video/CcqDkkI4coM/видео.html&ab_channel=JourneyToTheCenterOfTheCinema
I hope this helps answer your question. Thanks again for watching and sharing your comments.
That's why we need some sort of Armageddon so maybe in a few million years time someone or something better might evolve and do things different. I mean let's face it, as it stands there's nothing left to save or protect. I first saw this film on TV in 1980 when I lived in Houghton Le Spring when I was 13, and I thought it was boring because I was too young to fully understand it properly. Like many films back in the day all the swearing and the rape scene was completely cut from it too so the whole impact was softened somewhat. However, over time it has since become one of my favourite films of the 70's. The most striking aspect for me is the fact that this masterpiece has massively stood the test of time. In fact, it hasn't even dated one little bit.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I agree things are in a bad state at the minute and we've been on the brink of not being able to recover for a long time. Once we are out of the picture as a species hopefully the planet might be able to recover.
I was the same as you, I saw Deliverance very young and didn't completely get what it was about, but over the years it too became one of my favourites. I totally agree that the film really stands the test of time and although I think it might be hard for Boorman to get the same film made today, it hasn't aged a bit! Its themes are now more important that ever. Thanks again much appreciated.
@@johnrenneysboneyardcinema Southern Comfort has often been compared to Deliverance but the similarities are very few. If Southern Comfort is to be collated with another film it should be Walter Hill's earlier film The Warriors. Virtually the same plot: Nine guys fighting their way out of a hostile environment whilst being being picked off one by one.
@@TheVidkid67 Both excellent films. I really like a lot of Walter Hill films, like Hard Times, Streets of Fire and The Driver great director. Yeah, I've heard Southern Comfort often get compared with Deliverance but like you, I think they are about very different things. Some reviewers say Southern Comfort is an allegory for Vietnam, but I've never heard Walter Hill say that mind lol
I've also heard it said that it's a film about PTSD and Combat Stress which I can see to a point. I love the soundtrack by Ry Cooder excellent score, he worked with Hill quite a bit I think. Definitely with you on The Warriors to, it has such great world building, story telling and fantastic performances from the cast. Not to mention another great soundtrack!
@@TheVidkid67 I saw it recently because I had watched the excelent The Driver, which Hill also made. Southern comfort didn't bare up well to a repeat viewing for me. It's a glorified tv movie, saved by some very charismatic actors and a great soundtrack. I love what Hill has done for cinema. His contribution (along with David Giler, who produced SC) to Alien turned it from a B movie into a ground breaking sci fi classic, but SC is a cash in.
@@davidlean1060 The Warriors and Southern Comfort were very similar.
I don't agree with the ecological angle. I think that's a stretch. But I like the analysis for uncovering other things.
Yes this is a good lesson it's that only the Elite can destroy this planet LOL
It's a great film, but not a pleasant one to watch.
I would argue the movie fails at the message it’s delivering and just comes off as a boating trip gone wrong. The tennesse dam projects the men reference in the movie have nothing direct to do with any of them on the boat ride (at least in the movie). They aren’t careless going down the river but are experts upon the rapids. The movie really needed the city introduction or a rewrite involving these gentlemen with the tennesse dam building projects of the time or it just loses the message of man losing against nature.
Nice review, although imho I think that you rather over-stressed the 'nature' aspect of the problem. I think more of Marxist ecological analysis might tease out a bit more nuance from the film. Thanks !
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. That’s an interesting take, I can see where you are coming from especially in the case of Drew and Lewis. It could be said that both Drew and Lewis’s bodies and psyche’s “live through nature”. Later when the balance is skewed and the relationship compromised, Drew dies as a result and Lewis is physically hurt and changed. Really interesting take, I can definitely see where you are coming from. Thanks again.
I think this analysis puts too much emphasis on "destroying the planet". The planet will destroy us before it's done. The planet will survive. But I do understand the film was what was called an allegory in the 70's (always Vietnam), much of it mumbo-jumbo. Loved the presentation nevertheless.
Continued walking down leafy hollow turning a beach for a winning match
brains known hemispheres
scott mike doug jodys known tears
dan charpentiers beers
brother where art tho
loring streets cheese laughing cow
george clooneys pet sow
I expected this movie go be all kinds of fucked after hearing about it so long. Unbelievably boring, jesus.
Not everyone has the intelligence to get it.
@@Airborne80 I get it, it just wasn't scary at all. Also not as deep as you think.
@@OWlsfordshire it wasn’t scary for me at all a bit thrilling but definitely entertaining…. If you find this boring I just would like to know what you think is a entertaining, name 3 films you find extremely entertaining for you.
This movie was trash
Thanks for taking the time to watch. Sorry you didn't like Deliverance and my take.
I love Excalibur didn’t know they were made by the same director!
Thanks for watching. Yeah, Boorman is fantastic, he was hit and miss over the years. He did the Exorcist 2 and Zardoz which were disliked by the critics but have gained a cult following, but I thought they were creative and interesting to say the least lol His career has been really varied and full of ups and downs but that is one of the reasons I really like his work. Interesting career and never did anything the same. For my money a great filmmaker who owned his successes and his failures with grace. Thanks again, your comments are greatly appreciated.